Universal Powerline Bus (UPB) developed by Powerline Control Systems (PCS) is a proprietary powerline communication technology. UPB provides an incredibly reliable and inexpensive solution for residential and commercial powerline communications applications. While other powerline technologies exist, none compare to UPB in cost per node, reliability and functionality.

In a large-scale field test, UPB test units were randomly installed in single-family homes in the US without any modifications to the home. The UPB method of communication measured 100 ~ 1000 times more reliable than current X-10 technology. For this test reliability was defined as the percentage of transmitter/receiver pairs that correctly operated upon initial installation. This massive UPB test showed reliability to be over 99.9% (>100 times X-10). Current X-10 is around 70%~80%. The large differential in this measure versus X10 means there should be no need for additional couplers, repeaters or filters when using UPB devices.

UPB is 20 to 40 times the speed of X-10 in terms of data transmitted. This is equivalent to over ten full commands per second. The average latency of command to action is less than .1 second.

With UPB multiple houses on one transformer are separated by means of an addressing scheme allowing for at least 256 systems (houses) on each transformer. This means UPB has a 64,000+ total address space vs. 256 for X-10.

UPB allows peer to peer communication. Thus, no central controller is necessary for single point-to-point control or group (scene) control.

UPB’s higher signal strength, coupled with its lower frequency, dramatically reduces the attenuation of the UPB signal over long runs of wire. X-10 starts with a lower signal level at a higher frequency leading to much greater attenuation. PCS has run tests indicating acceptable performance of UPB devices over greater than one mile of AC wiring.

UPB is comparable to higher end X10 devices for these characteristics:
• affordability,
• no new wiring is required,
• installation complexity,
• does not interfere with devices using a different frequency range for communications,
• two-way communication in all products.

The one disadvantage UPB and other home automation technologies have versus X10 is the number of compatible products available in today's market is significantly less than the total number of X10 products available from multiple manufacturers. For some home control applications, X10 may be the only available solution.

Note: PCS is a California corporation in the business of designing, developing and manufacturing advanced powerline carrier based lighting controls.